Chapter 6

I knocked on Yukio and Rin's door. They were both in the middle of packing their bags. The stopped what they were doing and looked at me. I stood there awkwardly rubbing my arm.

"Uh… Could you guys help me pack? I never camped before."

"Sure" Rin said loudly and excitedly. Yukio said it calmly with a smile.

We walked to my room where I had a couple of warm outfits, a couple of cool outfits a couple bottles of mineral water and a few bars of food. Also my pillow and blanket. My guns and holsters with ammo. A handful of summoning paper. A small first aid kid. Everything was laid out on my bed.

"This is all I think I'll need but I'm not sure if I have too little or too much."

"Everything looks good. Just probably take away one warm outfit and one cool outfit and you should be good" Yukio said picking up my ammo. "Is this all the Ammo you have?" Yukio said gently shaking the box.

"I have another box. Do you think I'll need them both?"

"Just bring them to be safe" Yukio said setting the box down back where he got it from. "We leave in the morning. Do you need help putting you're stuff in your bag?" Yukio asked.

"I think I can figure it out" I said with a smile, " Go pack your things. I'll get you if I need help."

"Aren't you excited?" Rin asked.

"I guess I would be if it wasn't for school. It's more like a mission than anything else." I said.

"That's exactly what it is, Rin. You should take this more seriously" Yukio said walking to the door.

"Whatever four-eyed-mole-face" Rin said before Yukio left. Rin sat in my chair and I began putting my things in the bag. "He so serious all the time.." Rin grumbled.

"I know" I said smiling folding my clothes smaller and putting them in the bag.

"You two are so similar. But at least you can have fun." Rin claimed.

"Yukio can have fun."

"When? Because I never saw it."

"He danced at the party" I said hoping that was enough.

"You made him."

"True" I said and then laughed a little because I couldn't remember seeing Yukio really having fun. "Maybe Yukio just doesn't express fun the same way" I thought out loud.

"Yeah whatever" Rin said getting up and walked to the door, "I should finish getting ready."

"Alright" I said as he left. I finished packing and the rest of the day I practiced and memorized a few more fatal verses of demons. I ate and decided it would be best if I slept in my own bed a lone so we could get rest. We woke up early in the morning and went out into the forest. Yukio and Shura were our instructors. Shura was trying to annoy Yukio and it was starting to work. I watched in amusement as she kept calling him chicken and saying that they needed to finish their bet they started before.

"What was the bet?" I asked.

"Oh. Just that if he won I stopped calling him chicken and if I won, the usual bet that he bought lunch." Shura said casually walking with her hands behind her head.

"What did you have to do?" I asked.

"First one to loose concentration in infinity mode looses in the training batting cage."

"Was it a draw then?" Sheimi asked.

"Yes but only because Rin's an idiot." Shura replied.

"Hey!" Rin yelled.

"It's true though" Bon said.

I laughed a little.

"Hey don't laugh" Rin yelled at me.

I stopped laughing only to just loose it more. I tripped over a root and fell. I groaned rubbing my knee that was now bloody. I took my bag off and got up, straightening out my skirt. "I do NOT understand why we have to wear our school uniform for this" I grumbled embarrassed knowing that everyone saw my butt. Yukio came to me looking worried, "I'm fine. Just a scratch. It can wait until we get to camp." He nodded. I picked up my back and put it on after adjusting the straps for my holsters. We began walking again then made it to a huge clearing. Yukio instructed the males to be with him and set the tents up while the girls worked on a magic circle with Shura. There were so many people that I was one of the ones standing around. I went over to Yukio and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to me then smiled when he saw me. "Would you like the rest of us to get fire wood and start a fire?" I asked gesturing to the people standing and doing nothing.

"That sound like a plan. Then Rin can start cooking" Yukio looked around "Rin" He called out and got his attention. "Go with Alexandra and the others and get fire wood, build a fire and start cooking."

"Right" Rin said as he ran towards the center of the area and called everyone that were not doing something. I went to the center and stood by Rin after I got an axe. I gave Rin the axe since I knew he would be better at it. Rin lead us into the trees and a ton of trees were already down. Like some very strong people fought here before. I looked around some of the wood was already charred.

"What happened here?" I asked under my breath as I began picking up wood that I could carry back. I heard similar questions from the others. I watched as Rin just began cutting a tree that was laying down. "He could have that whole tree cut in a few minutes" I said with a chuckle as I headed back to the camp with my arms full of wood. I dumped the wood in a pile that was started where Yukio was watching over everything. I smiled at him before going back to get more wood. I passed a few people that had wood that looked like it came from the tree Rin was chopping up. It looked like a ton of wood. I went back to where Rin was cutting the tree and there was a pile of already split wood. "So… What happened here?" I asked when no one was around. Rin swung hard and a loud crack from the tree was heard as the axe went straight through it.

He turned to me with a smile scratching his head, "Last year my group was attacked by Amaimon and I-"

"Rin that's enough wood" I heard Yukio say. I turned towards Yukio and smiled.

"Do you want us to carry this back?" Rin asked pointing to the wood.

"Carry what you can." Yukio said coming and grabbing a few pieces of wood.

"So what were you saying Rin?" Rin gave me a confused look, I continued, "You were saying Amiamon attacked."

"Oh that. Yeah I'll tell you later." Rin said as he watched more people walking through the forest.

"Okay…" I said as I picked up more wood. I hoped that we wouldn't get attacked by anything this time. Yukio instructed the group that came out to get what they could and were told to return to the base. There was a fire already started and people standing around it already. I set the wood on the pile that had accumulated. Rin started chopping things up at the table. I tried helping him but he just made me watch. He was really good. And quick at cutting everything up.

I was trying to figure out what happened. Why would Amaimon, the kind of Earth attack a bunch of esquires?

I looked around me. It was getting dark. People were watching Rin cook, gathered around the fire, or just talking around within the circle. There were now only about 15 people left after the esquire exam. That's not including Rin and the others I was friends with. Rin's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He had plates set out already and people were coming to get their plates. I waited till everyone got their plates. I took the last one and sat by the fire beside Shura. As usual the food was delicious. I hear footsteps from behind me and I looked to see who it was.

"Oh. Hey Yukio." I smiled at him. My smile fell, "What's wrong, you look worried about something."

"Chicken is always worried about something" Shura said with a huge smile.

I hear Yukio sigh heavily. I wanted to comfort him somehow but our relationship was best kept secret. So I settled by looking at my empty plate and saying, "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Everyone looks about done. You want to get them started?" Shura asked.

"Alright everyone listen up." Yukio then continued, "There are 3 lanterns hidden throughout the forest. If you are able to light one and bring it back you will be reviewed to be able to go on missions."

The others of my class talked among the other quietly.

Yukio picked up a bag, "Each of you will get a bag that has a flashlight, 3 days worth of food and water, a compass, one match and one firework" He said pulling each item out of the bag. "If you feel that you are in danger or need help, light the firework and Shura or I will come get you. Since you only get one match you will have to decide carefully what to do."

There was more talking from my classmates.

"Everyone come and get your bag" Yukio said gesturing to the bags.

Since I was closest I got up and grabbed a bag.

"The drill starts in 15 minutes" Shura called out.

I carried the survival bag to my other bag. I got out a couple summoning papers, both boxes of ammo and a bottle of mineral water. I then went to Rin and the others putting the bag on my shoulders.

"Hey guys." I said when I got close. I stood between Rin and Sheimi. I bent over to adjust my straps to my holsters. I looked at them and noticed that they didn't have bags like the rest of our class. "So what are you guys going to do during this?"

"We are going to help Shura and Yukio out." Bon said.

"Oh alright." I said.

"Everyone go to the outer rim of the circle and prepare for the drill" Shura called out.

I waved to my friends and chose a spot where no one else was near. Yukio yelled the countdown and shot his gun. I walked into the forest paying attention to the way that I was going. I had my flash light in my hand but I kept it off. I figured it would only attract bugs and it was easier to see without the light on. I came across a few demons and just shot them since I wasn't totally sure on their fatal verse. I walked around for about an hour now and haven't seen a lantern. I sighed and took a sip of my mineral water and put it back in the bag. I started walking again. I heard several screams from nearby. I started running towards the screams. There were 3 people that set off their firework. As I ran the screams got louder. It sounded like a bunch of girls screaming. I saw a fire moving around. I slowed to a jog and tried to get a better look. 3 girls were running away from a peg lantern. Now I understood, it was more difficult than it sounded. I saw 2 boys standing there panicking. I jogged over to the boys staying out of the peg lantern's view. I told them to give me a piece of sealing paper and something to write with. They did and I drew the seal to make the peg lantern calm down. I asked if they were the ones to shoot their firework. They claimed only the girls did. I told them the chant to say when the seal is on the lantern. I took the seal and ran towards the lantern. When it saw me and came towards me. I slapped the seal on it and yelled for the boys to start the chant. They did and the lantern fell where it was. I watched as the girls fell where they stood and caught their breath. I told the boys to keep saying the verse over and over. I went and checked on the girls. They had scratches over them but nothing serious.

Yukio came walking through the bushes and asked, "Is everyone alright?"

"Just a few scratches I believe" I said getting out my summoning paper.

"Who set the fireworks off?" Yukio asked eyeing us. The girls slowly rose their hands. "Alright. The 3 of you come with me." Yukio said walking back the way he came. The girls got up and walked behind Yukio. After they were gone I turned towards the boys.

"Keep reciting the verse. I am going to summon my familiar to carry the lantern. You two will be on either side to balance it on Alejo's back. You focus on getting the lantern back to base and I will take care of the other demons. Whatever happens keep reciting the verse." They nodded. "Alejo I command you to come forth and clear my path" I said and Alejo appeared. "Alejo I have some hard work for you… I need you to carry that lantern for me while these boys make sure it doesn't fall off of you as they recite the verse to neutralize it. I'm going to take care of the other demons that get in our way. "

"Alright!" Alejo said as he began digging a hole under the lantern. Once he was under it he went into his bigger form. The boys got on either side of Alejo and balanced the lantern on his back. Alejo didn't seem to have a problem carrying the lantern as we walked. I shot any demon that got in our way and warned the boys about any uneven terrain. We saw a clearing. It was camp. I sighed in relief. Shura saw us and waved us over to her. She got up and grabbed a jug labeled holy water. She put the fire out after Alejo set it down.

I looked around. Rin and the others were around the fire, Yukio was gone but the 3 girls he got were by the fire too. I sat by Sheimi and Shima. I heard the boys following me. They sat on the other side of the fire, across from me.

"You got done fast" Bon pointed out.

"Oh yeah" I laughed. "I heard screams and went to help out. They already found a lantern and they needed help." Alejo jumped on my lap and I pet him. "Alejo was a huge help." I said smiling at him as he purred.

"We probably wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you." One of the girls said looking into the fire.

"I'm sure you would have been fine." I said with a friendly and reassuring smile.

"I don't know, I felt like I was going to die." The same girl said.

"Then you did the right thing by lighting the fire work." I said.

The girl looked up at me and glared, "Seriously, what are you?"

"Excuse me?"I said out of shock, terrified that she knew I was an angel. I calmed down knowing there was no way she knew.

"Are you always brave? Because I know you're not stupid-you're in the top of the class."

I laughed and scratched my check with a finger, "Well there really is a fine line between stupidity and bravery."

"We all know that's true because of Rin" Bon said.

"Hey!" Rin yelled.

We all laughed. Especially Shura. I heard a very special laugh and turned to see Yukio coming back with someone. I smiled at him.

"But seriously though. Are you always that brave?" Another girl asked.

"Only on the outside. I'm honestly terrified of someone getting hurt when something goes wrong." I looked into the fire and felt my smile disappear. "I'd rather me get hurt than someone else."

"You have friends that feel the same way about you" Rin said with a smile.

I heard a chorus of 'yeah'. I smiled. "Thanks everyone" I said and continued to pet Alejo. I sang a little song about never growing up to Alejo. It was my first song I sang at my art school on an actual stage. When I was done I heard Alejo breathing and I knew he was asleep.

"I knew I knew you from somewhere" The one boy said. "You went that fancy art school."

"Yeah" I said nervously.

"You worked with my cousin on his music video. His name was Sam, at least that's what he was called"

"OH yeah. Sam. I remember now, I was a dancer for him." I said remembering.

"I brought my guitar. Want to be some entertainment?" The boy asked getting up.

"Oh I don't-"

"Do it Alex!" Rin said loudly.

Alejo woke up and I glared at Rin. He scooted further away from me. I watched Alejo yawn and smiled. "Hey," I said gently, "Did you enjoy your little nap?"

"Yes I did." Alejo said through another yawn.

"If you want to get Rin for waking you up I won't stop you" I said with a smile tugging at my lips as I watched Rin get up and start running for it. Alejo followed my vision and jumped after him. I laughed as Alejo caught Rin before he could get very far. I got up and walked over the large Alejo and crushed Rin. "Tell Alejo you're sorry for waking him up and he will get off."

"I'm sorry" Rin chocked for breath. Alejo got off of him with a giggle. I smiled and helped Rin up making sure my barrier was down first.

We walked over to the fire and the boy started playing that song. I sighed and stood where everyone could see me, "It's been a while" I said with a nervous laugh. The boy sang the words and played the guitar while I danced. I messed up a couple of times but I don't think anyone noticed. The boy stood by me and we took a playful bow. Everyone clapped. Then we heard a fire work go off. Yukio sighed and stood. I watched him disappear into the tree line. The boy got a piece of wood and used it as a place to sit. He began playing more songs. I sang with him to the ones I knew. Everyone else talked and listened to the songs, or also sang along when they knew the song. I got my blanket and sat next to Alejo who was still in his big form. I used him as a pillow and covered myself up with my blanket. I rested my eyes listening to everyone talk and sing.

I awoke to hearing the birds singing their songs. Something heavy was placed over me. I opened my eyes and saw Alejo's tail across my chest. I looked around. Yukio was up and putting more wood into the fire.

"Morning" I said with a yawn.

Yukio turned to me and smiled when he realized I was up, "Morning" He said.

"So how many more people are still out there?"

"3."

I hummed. I took the blanket off then quickly put it back over me. It was still cold since the sun wasn't out all the way yet. "Still cold out" I said.

"Yeah" Yukio said putting his hands near the fire.

I felt Alejo's tail go back on me. I looked at him and saw him looking at me. "Your up!" Alejo said happily. "Can we play tag?"

"Sure let me up on some pants first." I got up reluctantly and grabbed some clothes.

"Hey Alexandra" Sheimi sad rubbing her eyes.

"Hey." I said getting my brush out of my bag.

"Could you go with me to go to the bathroom?" Sheimi asked

"Sure. I have to go myself. Get your stuff to get ready we can do that while we are out there too." I said and she smiled going back into the tent.

I carried my things over to the fire, "Is it ok if Sheimi and I go get ready? I'll take Alejo with us."

"As long as you don't go too far." Yukio said coming to me. I watched him look around. His hand went to my cheek as he leaned down. I smiled and stood on my tip toes. Our lips touched for a second and he pulled back. He stood straight and smiled at me, I smiled back.

"I've been wanting that." I said smiling at him.

"We still have two more nights before we go look for the others." Yukio said and then turned to look towards the tents. I looked in the same direction and saw Sheimi walking towards us.

"We will be back." I said to Yukio and Alejo followed me. Sheimi and I did what we had too to get ready. The sun was out more and shinning in the sky now. I smiled at Alejo and said, "Give us a 10 second head start. First one to touch Yukio wins." Alejo cheered happily. "Ready Sheimi?" She nodded. "Ready. Set. GO!" I yelled and started running as fast as I could. It was difficult to run with the things in my arms. I heard Alejo counting down. I saw the camp and I saw Yukio still by the fire. I got into the magic circle and Yukio saw me running. I laughed when I heard Sheimi yell for me to go faster. Then I heard the sound of Alejo running.

"I'm going to win!" Alejo yelled as he passed me.

I laughed, "Alejo slow down!"

Alejo jumped in the air towards Yukio and I watched Yukio's face turn into horror. There was a puff of smoke in the air and Alejo fell out of it landing on Yukio. I stopped and laughed, Sheimi caught up to me.

"I won! I won!" Alejo cheered over and over again. Yukio set him on the ground and Alejo danced around him continuing to chant.

"He's happy. What is he saying?" Sheimi asked as I stood and began walking to Yukio.

"He saying, 'I won!' Over and over again." I said laughing.

"What's going on?" Yukio asked.

"Oh just had a little race to you." I said, "And little gloater over there won." I said pointing to Alejo. I walked to the tent and put my things in my bag. I took out a mineral water. Walking back to the fire I opened and drank a little water.

As the sun went higher in the sky more people woke up. We had our survival bag food. I wished Rin could have just cooked it, it would have tasted better. I played games with Alejo all day, a few others played too. On person gave up today. There were still 2 people out there. I hoped someone would bring back a lantern. The two that were left gave up during the night. They found a lantern but they didn't know how to handle it. There was no way I was the only one that knew how to handle this. But I guess I was. I felt proud of myself for studying so hard all the time.

Yukio decided we would stay on camp till morning. Shura didn't have any complaints as she drank the night away. She did end up throwing wooden swords at Rin and I while telling us we need practice. I really didn't want to in front of everyone. Since everyone was watching Rin and I. I was completely on the defensive, I wasn't able to get any hit in.

"Get some hits in Alexandra!" Shura yelled.

I was going to sigh but it quickly turned into a gasp as Rin swung differently and I had to block him. I moved to the offensive. Rin blocked and then moved to attack quickly. I jumped backwards out of the way and then lunged forward, the sword aimed at his stomach. Rin spun out of the way and brought the sword down, aimed at my back. I turned so my back hit the ground and swung the sword so I deflected Rin's sword. I felt something pull in my ankle and my back hurt from the impact. A painful sound escaped my lips when I hit the ground. I pointed the sword at Rin's neck just as I saw him looking concerned.

"Alexandra wins." Shura said approaching us already with Yukio and my friends.

I dropped the sword at my side and held my ankle and hissed when I touched it as my back ached.

"I'm sorry Alex" Rin said kneeling beside me.

"It's alright. Not your fault." I smiled despite the pain. "Help me up" I said holding my hand out for him.

"Let me look at you first" Yukio said kneeling in front of my ankle I just grabbed. "May I?" He asked already reaching for my ankle.

"Sure" I said with a sigh. I gritted my teeth together when he rotated my ankle. He pressed his fingers around my ankle, which also hurt.

He smiled at me but he looked worried. "It might be sprained a little but you could have just twisted it pretty bad."

"So I should stay off of it?" I asked.

"Yes until we can have it better looked at or it feels better." Yukio said. "How is your back?"

"It's fine. Sore, but fine." I said. I put my arm out to be helped up. Yukio grabbed it while moving it around his neck as he moved to pick me up. I held onto him as he lifted me up and carried me to the fire. He sat me down and Alejo laid behind me so I could rest against him. I had Sheimi grab my last water and blanket for me. Yukio took my water from me as I was about to open it and got me one of his out of the cooler. "Thanks" I said with a huge smile before I enjoyed to coolness.

"You're welcome" he said as he sat beside me.

I pressed to cold water bottle all over my face and neck. "It's so hot out" I sighed.

"It is." Yukio said looking in thought.

"Something the matter?" I asked.

"Just thinking about how we are going to get you out of here."

"Oh…"

"Alexandra might be really smart and all that but she always gets hurt" Some girl said with a laugh.

I knew it was meant to sound bad but I just smiled, "Yeah I know, I'm really clumsy." I laughed and Rin and the others laughed with me. "Actually, I broke this ankle before while I was trying to do back flips for a dance at my other school." Then I thought about it, "I guess it could have broke again" Then shrugged it off.

The girl that was talkative that I saved from the peg lantern smiled at me with a huge smile, "Is there anything you can't do?"

I laughed, "I can't skateboard, or play any sports like bad mitten or baseball. And my sister says I suck at cooking. –OH and she also says I can't clean to save my life." I laughed remembering how Jamie would always tell me I would make a great wife-but not a house wife. I calmed down, "But I'm sure there is more than that. I might be able to do plenty of things and know a lot of things but it's only because I'm always working hard to become better."

"Like seriously though, all she does is work. The only time I saw her have fun was at her birthday party" Rin said, "Her and Yukio are always working together on homework and stuff."

"So if they are always together he could have told her how to handle this training exercise then?" That same girl that tried to hurt my feelings asked annoyingly.

"No that's not-" I started but shut up when Rin started talking.

"Yukio would never do that!" Rin said angered.

"I would never give information about things like this to anyone." Yukio said adjusting his glasses.

The girl scoffed and looked away. An awkward silence enveloped everyone.

"Alright. Everyone get to bed, we will be up early in the morning." Yukio said after a little while.

There was a grumble from a couple of people but everyone went to get ready for bed. I rested against Alejo and watched the stars come out. I could hear some people talking about me and how it is possible that Yukio told me about the drill. I glanced at Yukio but he was staring into the fire and I couldn't see his eyes since the light was reflecting off his glasses.

"You two need to loosen up a little" Shura said shaking her beer can at us. "The worst that happens is that you two get questioned by the higher ups if one of them wants to make a report."

"I guess I'm not worried about it, like I have my sources of where I got the information, it's my sister's books she let me borrow" I spoke up after a little silence.

"See nothing to worry about" Shura said before taking a drink from her drink. "Well I'm going to go to bed. Night love birds." Shura said before going to the tent.

Then a peaceful silence enveloped us. And then soon the rest of the camp site as everyone settled in. I laid still on my back as my ankle throbbed. My back was sore still but nothing to really complain about. "You should get some rest, I can wake you if anything happens."

"I should stay awake" he said and then grumbled something about Shura under his breath.

"Come rest next to me. That way I can get you up quicker." I said patting the spot next to me. "Or you can use my lap as a pillow." I said patting my lap with a smile.

I watched as Yukio really considered it. After a while he stood, walked to me and then sat next to me. I patted my lap and he laid down reluctantly with his head on my lap. I smiled down at him and ran my hand through his hair. Slowly he closed his eyes and I enjoyed watching him relax for a time. I kept running my fingers through his hair since he seemed to enjoy it. I watched as Alejo wrapped his tail around Yukio and I. Yukio's eyes shot open as he reached towards his guns. He sighed when he realized it was nothing to worry about. I smiled at him and eventually he returned the facial expression. His hand went to the back of my neck and pulled me down to him as he leaned up. Just as our lips were about to touch I heard Shura,

"Woo."

Yukio growled and let go of me and sat up, away from me.

"Now now. I heard your relationship was supposed to be secret?" Shura said laying her blanket out by the fire. "It wouldn't be much of a secret if someone saw you two kissing. It also wouldn't help the whole deal with you giving her information."

"I thought you were going to bed." Yukio said in a low tone.

"Well I realized you haven't really got much sleep and you must be tired. So I figured I could be on watch tonight." Shura said while making herself comfortable.

I smiled at Yukio and patted my lap. I really didn't expect him to but he did lay his head on my lap again. It surprised me and then I smiled when he closed his eyes. I began running my fingers through his hair again. Eventually his breathing slowed and he was completely relaxed.

"You love him a lot don't you?" I heard Shura ask.

I smiled looking at Yukio's face. "I do."

"An angle and one of the spawns of Satan being in love together… I wonder what kind of problems this wild cause" Shura said and I heard another can being opened. "I wonder what your children will be like" I heard her say as if she was in thought.

I blushed and said, "Isn't it a little early to think about kids?"

Shura hummed and then said, "I guess you two are young still.. and I bet Chicken would want to be married first. He seems like that kind of guy."

"Could you please stop calling him that?" I asked still looking at Yukio.

"Why? He is though."

I ran my fingers through his hair slowly and smiled, "I don't think so." Then I let my hand relax at my side. I looked at Shura, "He really doesn't like being called that."

"I know" She laughed. "Want to make a bet on something and whoever wins decides if I call him Yukio or Chicken."

"Sure" I said "But on what?"

"The training cages. I'll do infinity mode and you do intermediate, first to loose concentration looses. If you win I call him by Yukio, If I win I can call him Chicken all I want" She said with a smile. "I'll give you time to get that ankle of yours healed and then you can have…. I'll give you a month to practice."

"Just don't tell Yukio and it's a deal" I said seriously.

Shura laughed loudly making Yukio wake up. I smiled down at him. He rubbed his eyes and then sat up. He rested against Alejo with me and Alejo adjusted his tail after I put my blanket over the both of us. It became really warm and I fell right to sleep.

The next day I rode on Alejo's back until we made it to the streets. Then Yukio helped support me as I attempted to walk. Yukio took me to get checked out further to see for sure if it was sprained or not. Which it was. The entire time it was healing I was trying to decide if I should use my guns or a sword for the bet with Shura. I bet she said a month because that's probably what would be left after I heal before school classes start up again.

I decided to practice with a sword since I wouldn't have to worry about reloading like I did with the guns. One time Yukio brought Rin so he could practice and I was there. They asked what I was doing and honestly answered that I was practicing. Then it was 3 weeks in and I was doing pretty well on my level assigned to me by Shura. Anytime I had a spare moment I practiced. Yukio practiced with me when he could. I felt bad that I was spending so much time practicing but it was for him. The match with Shura was tomorrow and I wasn't going to let her win. I heard the door open but didn't look. I already knew it was Rin and Yukio. I put all of my concentration into hitting the balls. It beeped letting me know the session was almost over. I swung with all my might at the last ball. The wooden sword made impact with the ball and made a satisfying sound. The ball hit off the side of the cage where Rin was practicing and he jumped. A ball hit him in the head from his own machine and he yelled in pain. He got back into the swing of things and began hitting balls immediately. I walked out to where Yukio was sitting.

"You've gotten really good" Yukio said smiling at me.

"I hope so.. I've been practicing every day for a month." I laughed. I did some stretches of my arms. It really is a work out in that cage. I noticed a small difference in the tone of my body. "I think I might go one more time and then call it a day." As I was about to go back into the cage Yukio grabbed my wrist. I looked at him.

"I think you are good, come eat with Rin and I." Yukio said with a smile.

"Alright" I sighed. I really haven't ate with them since I took that bet. I figured I could also use a break. When Rin was done we went back to the dorm where our food was already waiting for us. I enjoyed having hot food to eat.

"You've gotten really good Alex" Rin said stuffing his face.

"Thanks" I said after I swallowed food. "I just feel that the knight meister is my weakest one and I needed to improve in it" I told a sort of lie. But it was mostly true.

"If you were serious about your training you could be just as good as she is RIn." Yukio said in his instructor voice.

I laughed at Rin's face then offered help, "I could try teaching you a couple of things."

"Yeah I guess I could use the help." Rin muttered.

"Well I'm going to be practicing tomorrow at 6 want to join me?" I asked Rin.

"Sure." Rin said happily.

"Alright make sure you are up in the morning." I said getting up to put my tray away.

"M-morning?" Rin asked looking absolutely horrified.

"Yes, Rin. In the morning." Yukio got up as well and followed me.

"If you don't get up, I can always wake up the more shocking way." I said with a grin.

"I'll be up!" Rin said.

"Good" Yukio said.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed" I announced as I walked to my room. I got dressed in comfy clothes for bed and as I was brushing out my hair I heard a knock on my door. I opened it up and smiled, "Hey Yukio."

"Hey" He said pushing me backward toward my bed.

I laughed, "Yukio what are you doing?"

He kicked my door shut and said "I just want to hold you for a little."

I sat on my bed when I felt something against the back of my legs. I crawled backwards till I was against the wall and laid down. Yukio crawled next to me and laid down. He wrapped both of his arms around me and held me, sometimes playing with my hair. I cuddled up close to him and buried my face in his chest and just breathed in his scent.

"It's been a while since we were able to do this" I heard Yukio whisper into my hair.

"Yeah" I sighed happily. Then I laughed, "Think Rin will be up in the morning?"

"No. He is reading my manga right now." Then he sighed heavily, "He'll probably be up all night."

"I guess I'll just have to wake him up." I said with a laugh, "He is in for a shock."

Yukio chuckled "Yes he is." Yukio kissed my forehead, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight" I yawned, "I love you."

I felt Yukio hold me closer to him, "I love you too."

I awoke to my alarm, Yukio was already gone. I got dressed in clothes that were easy to move in. I went to Rin and Yukio's room to see Yukio trying to get Rin up. Which wasn't working.

"Want me to try?" I asked. And Yukio got out of the way. I brought up my barrier and touched Rin. Instantly he jumped up and yelled in pain. I smiled at Rin and told him to hurry and get ready. Yukio and I went down and ate breakfast. Rin came down after a little while complaining that his shoulder still hurt. Yukio came to watch us and then at 11 Shura showed up.

"You ready to do this?" She asked. I nodded my head and followed her into the cage. "Lets add another bet for fun." She said with a smile.

"Sure." I said deciding it couldn't be bad. "What's the bet? I asked.

"Lunch. Looser buys lunch."

"I can do that." I said.

We set our cages to our level and began. I was able to keep up with her, doing my best to ignore Rin's cheering. I lost my concentration at the end and one ball flew past me. I groaned when it was over.

"Hey you did really well." She then smiled and said, "But you still lost. You're buying lunch today." She looks at Yukio and said "I still get to call you Chicken."

I smiled at Yukio, "I tried" and then laughed nervously.

"So this is why you've been working so hard.." He said more in thought.

"Yeah." I sighed looking down. I then made myself look up, smile and say, "Let's go eat. Lunch is all on me today."

We went to a restaurant of Shura's choosing. She had several beers and ate a ton more food than I thought she could. I was now very grateful for the allowance my father set up for me. Shura and Yukio got called to a mission and Rin and I went back to the dorm. I read my bible along with a few aria books my sister gave to me. There was a knock on my door and I turned around knowing that it was open. I smiled at Yukio.

"You didn't have to do that for me." Yukio said standing in my doorway.

"I know. I wanted to." I looked outside and saw it was late. "Geeze it's this late already?"

"Yeah. Ukobach is upset no one came to eat."

I stood up as my stomach growled. I laughed a little. "Is the food still on the table?"

"Yes."

"Lets go eat then!" I said walking down the hall way.

"You go I'm going to try waking Rin up." Yukio said stopping at his door.

"Alright."

I went to eat and apologized for not being at dinner on time. I didn't know what he said but he sounded happy. Yukio came into the dinning hall without Rin. He sighed sitting down.

"Rin didn't wake up?" I asked.

"No."

I shrugged and kept eating. When I was done I asked,

"Well you be sleeping with me tonight?"

"No. I have a mission in the middle of the night I have to be at." Yukio said getting up.

I got up and set my tray beside his.

"Thank you for earlier today."

"It's wasn't a problem." I said and kissed him quickly before running to my room laughing. I got ready for bed and went to sleep.